UN Secretary-General concludes visit to Cyprus with plans for a 5+1 meeting

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres concluded a historic two-day visit to Cyprus on July 29, 2026, marking the first visit by a UN chief to the island in 16 years. During his visit, Guterres held meetings with civil society representatives and participated in a joint session with Republic of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman.

Guterres announced his decision to convene a new '5+1' meeting involving the two leaders and the three guarantor powers. He stated that he has secured the consent of all parties to proceed but emphasized that no specific date or timeline has been set. The Secretary-General stressed that the meeting will only be scheduled following rigorous preparation regarding methodology, substance, and the development of confidence-building measures to avoid a failed outcome. He clarified that the summit will not occur during the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York this September.

Analysts suggest the visit aims to prevent the permanent partition of the island and to reignite stalled negotiations, which are envisioned to lead to a bizonal, bicommunal federation. Guterres maintained that while the UN remains committed to facilitating a solution based on dialogue and good faith, the responsibility lies with all involved parties to make progress in the interim.